Pete Gallego: The Texas Democrat most likely to oust a Republican House incumbent

Helped by court-drawn congressional district lines, state Rep. Pete Gallego of Alpine is emerging as the Texas Democrat most likely to oust a Texas Republican incumbent.

Gallego is challenging U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco in District 23, trying to reclaim the seat for Democrats after Canseco toppled Democratic incumbent Ciro Rodriguez in 2010.

“I run every race as if it’s a tough race. This is no different — except that my opponent this time self-funds his campaign,” said Gallego, a 20-year veteran of the Texas House.

Canseco, R-San Antonio, has bankrolled $460,641 for his campaign, nearly four times the $133,233 Gallego reported in his war chest, according to the Federal Election Commission. However, Canseco also has nearly $700,000 in campaign debt from a $1 million loan from a previous election cycle.

Gallego spent Thursday in San Antonio raising money for his congressional bid.

Democrat John Bustamante, a San Antonio lawyer, has $260, according to the FEC, and is expected to challenge Gallego in the March 6 primary.

The national parties have targeted District 23, redrawn by a federal court after Democratic challenges to a Republican redistricting plan passed by the Legislature.

The congressional map still faces legal challenges.

“I will be filing to run for re-election as soon as the redistricting process has concluded,” said Canseco, 62.